A Freshman All-American in 2009 with the Scarlet Knights, Savage had thrown for more yards (2,211) as a true freshman than any other quarterback in Big East history. The team finished 9-4-0, and went on to a postseason victory in the St. Petersburg Bowl.

In 2010, then-coach Greg Schiano decided to employ a heavy dose of the "wildcat," which often put the offense in difficult third-and-long situations that allowed opposing defenses to unleash a heavy pass rush and blanket coverages.

Assuming that the Panthers do depart the Big East, Savage would be available for his final year of eligibility in 2013 in time to compete for the starting quarterback job against four-star recruit Chad Voytik.

The 2013 Scarlet Knights' schedule is not yet complete, but should it include a game against the Pittsburgh Panthers, it would be a date to circle on the calendar.